Have you ever wondered why there are hundreds of file managers with millions of downloads, if Google Play hundreds of file managers with millions of downloads, if in Android already have a built-in explorer? At first glance, it seems that the standard application Files (or Downloads on some firmware) is quite sufficient for basic operations. But in practice, users install Solid Explorer, FX File Manager or MiXplorer —and here's why.

The fact is that built-in Android explorer is cut down functionally. It does not show hidden folders, cannot archive files on the fly, does not support cloud services other than Google Drive, and sometimes does not even display the root directory. /storage/emulated/0/. Meanwhile, third-party managers turn working with files into a convenient process: from batch renaming to direct editing of system configs (if any root access). Next, let's look at what specific tasks they solve - and why advanced users can't do without them.

1. Access to hidden system files and folders

Standard Explorer Android hides from the user most system directories - for example, /data/ (where application settings are stored) or /system/ (with firmware). This is done for the sake of security, but often interferes:

  • 🔍 Do you need to manually delete the cache of an application that is “buggy”? The built-in manager will not show the folder /data/data/com.app.name/.
  • 📁 Do you want to transfer game saves from one device to another? Files *.sav usually are located in hidden directories.
  • ⚙️ Do you need to edit the config build.prop to overclock the processor? This is impossible without root and a third-party manager.

Third-party applications like Root Explorer or Total Commander give access to all partitions of the file system —provided that you have superuser rights. Even without root they show more folders than standard explorer. For example, in FX File Manager you can enable the display of hidden files (.nomedia, .thumbnails) with one tap.

💡

If you just need to clear the application cache, you don’t have to dig into the system folders. Go to Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Storage → Clear cache.

2. Working with archives without additional applications

Built-in explorer does not know how to create or unpack archives. To archive a folder with photos before sending by mail, you will have to install a separate application like RAR or ZArchiver. Third-party file managers save space and time:

  • 🗄️ Solid Explorer supports .zip, .rar, .7z and even .tar.gz without plugins.
  • 🔄 You can unpack the archive directly into the current folder or select target directory.
  • 📦 Some managers (for example, MiXplorer) can create multi-volume archives for large files.

This is especially true for owners of devices with small amount of memory. Instead of storing backups “as is,” they can be compressed into a compressed archive, saving up to 70% of space. For example, a folder with 1000 photos in .jpg weighs ~2 GB, and in the archive .zip it is only ~600 MB.

Function Standard Explorer Solid Explorer FX File Manager
Creating a ZIP archive ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Unpacking RAR ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (with plugin)
Multi-volume archives ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes
Password for the archive ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
📊 What archiver do you use on Android?
Built-in file manager
ZArchiver
RAR
7Zipper
Other

3. Connecting to cloud storage and FTP

Standard Explorer is integrated only with Google Drive. If you use Yandex Diskom, Dropbox or OneDrive, you will have to constantly switch between applications. Third-party managers solve this problem:

  • ☁️ Solid Explorer supports 15+ cloud servicesincluding Mega, Box and even WebDAV.
  • 🌐 You can connect to FTP/SFTP server directly from the manager interface - convenient for web developers.
  • 🔄 Synchronization between the cloud and local storage in one click (for example, automatic backup of photos to Yandex Disk).

This is also relevant for work. For example, if you need to edit a document .xlsx on your phone, but it is on corporate Nextcloud, a third-party manager will allow you to open the file directly in Microsoft Excel without first downloading.

How to connect Yandex Disk in Solid Explorer?

1. Open the side menu and select Add. cloud.

2. Tap on the icon Yandex Disk.

3. Enter your account login/password Yandex.

4. Allow access to files in the browser.

5. Done! data-i="133">Network Net.

4. Batch operations: renaming, moving, deleting

Imagine: you downloaded 500 photos from the camera and want to:

  • 📝 Rename them using a template Vacation_2026_001.jpg, Vacation_2026_002.jpg...
  • 🗃️ Arrange in folders by shooting date.
  • 🗑️ Delete all files smaller 100 KB (for example, thumbnails).

The standard explorer will force you to do this manually. Third-party managers automate the process:

There is a built-in FX File Manager there is a built-in batch rename editor with support for regular expressions. data-i="145">you can filter files by size, date or extension and apply the action to all at once. This saves hours of time when working with large amounts of data. MiXplorer you can filter files by size, date, or extension and apply the action to all of them at once. This saves hours of time when working with large volumes of data.

Open the folder with files|Select the ones you need (long press → checkmarks)|Tap on icon Rename (pencil)|Select a template (for example, [C]Vacation_[N].jpg)|Confirm changes-->

5. Root access and editing system files

If your device is unlocked (has root), the file manager becomes a powerful tool for fine-tuning the system. With it you can:

  • 🛠️ Delete built-in applications (bloatware) that cannot be removed by standard means.
  • 📱 Edit files build.prop to change system parameters (for example, enable USB debugging without a developer).
  • 🔧 Change access rights (chmod) to files and folders.
  • 🖥️ Mount partitions in read/write mode (for example, /system).

Important: incorrect editing of system files can lead to the device “bricking” (complete inoperability). Always make a backup copy before making changes.

💡

Even if you do not have root, some managers (for example, MiXplorer) allow you to view system files in read-only mode. This is useful for diagnosing problems.

⚠️ Attention: on devices with Android 10+ Google has tightened the policy for working with partitions Even with root, some operations may be possible. blocked due to the mechanism Dynamic Partitions. Before editing system files, check the compatibility of your model on forums like XDA Developers.

6. Built-in tools for clearing memory

The standard explorer shows the occupied space, but does not help to free it. data-i="174">🧹 Removing

  • 🧹Delete duplicate files (for example, identical photos in different folders).
  • 🗑️ Clearing the application cache, including those that are not displayed in Android settings.
  • 📊 Visualization of occupied space by file type (video, audio, documents).
  • 🔍 Search for large files (>100 MB) that have not been opened for a long time.

For example, in Files by Google (yes, this is also a third-party manager) there is a section Cleaningthat automatically finds unnecessary files: screenshots older than 30 days, unused APK, temporary messenger files. This is more convenient than manually going through each folder.

7. Security: encryption and hidden folders

If confidential documents are stored on the phone, the standard Explorer will not offer any tools to protect them. Third-party managers solve this problem:

  • 🔒 Solid Explorer can create password-protected ZIP archives (AES-256).
  • 🕵️‍♂️ B FX File Manager you can hide folders from prying eyes (they will not be displayed in others applications).
  • 🔐 Some managers support file encryption algorithm AES or Blowfish.

This is relevant not only for the paranoid. For example, if you store scans of your passport or contracts on your phone, it is better to encrypt them. If the device is stolen or lost, an attacker will not be able to access files without a password.

⚠️ Attention: if you encrypted files and forgot the password, restore them impossible even using specialized apps. Store passwords in a safe place (for example, KeePass or Bitwarden).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about file managers on Android

❓ Which file manager is the fastest?

By tests on Android 13, leaders in speed:

  1. MiXplorer —optimized for working with large catalogs.
  2. Amaze File Manager —lightweight (weighs ~5 MB) and fast.
  3. Solid Explorer —a little slower, but with rich functionality.

For older devices (up to Android 8) it is better to choose FX File Manager —it is less demanding on resources.

❓ Is it possible to do without a file manager?

Technically yes, but it’s inconvenient. Without it, you will have to:

  • Use separate applications for archives, clouds, memory cleaning.
  • Manually rename files one by one.
  • Do not have access to hidden system folders (even for reading).

If you you are not actively working with files (for example, you are just viewing photos and videos), a standard explorer may be enough. But for everything else, a third-party manager saves time.

❓ Which managers support root?

Full list:

  • Root Explorer (paid, specialized for root).
  • MiXplorer (free, with root and FTP support).
  • FX File Manager (requires plugin FX Root Add-on).
  • Solid Explorer (root is supported, but not all functions are available).

Please note: even with root, some system folders may be locked due to mechanism Android 11+ even with root, some system folders may be locked due to the mechanism Scoped Storage.

❓ How to transfer files from Android to PC without a cable?

Methods (all work through a file manager):

  1. FTP server: run the built-in server in Solid Explorer or FX File Manager, then connect to it from a PC via FileZilla or Windows Explorer (the address will be like ftp://192.168.x.x:2221).
  2. Cloud: upload files to Yandex Disk/Google Drive directly from manager, then download them to your PC.
  3. Web access: MiXplorer there is a function HTTP Server —it creates a web page from which you can download files locally network.

The fastest way is FTP (the speed is limited only by your Wi-Fi).

❓ Why are some files not displayed in the manager?

Possible reasons:

  • Files hidden (names start with a dot, for example .nomedia). Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
  • Folder protected (for example, /Android/data/ on Android 11+). Use a manager with root access.
  • File system damaged. Check the memory card for errors (damaged Settings → Memory).
  • Files encrypted (for example, in some messengers). Try opening them through the app that created them.